May 21, 2009

Skoda India is ready to bring Yeti to India. The model was launched earlier this year in March at the Geneva Motor Show. The company has already started mass production of its Hatchback SUV crossover model and it is expected to be launched in India by January 2010. The first SUV model of Skoda Yeti rolled out from the Kvasiny plant in Czech Republic on 13 May.

The Indian model of Skoda Yeti will have both front wheel and 4W driver versions when it is finally launched in India. The introductory price of the new Indian model is expected around Rs. 10-11 lakh. Currently there are no models in India that fall in the category of pseudo-SUVs or crossover models. The India version will be available in petrol as well as diesel models. Skoda definitely plans to bring its 2.0 litre TDI diesel model to India for sure.

The New Yeti hatchback SUV crossover model has been built on 2578mm wheelbase, with length – 4233mm, width – 1793mm and height – 1691mm, and can easily make room for luggage compartment of as much as 1,760 litres. Skoda aims to bring turbocharged versions of Yeti for greater performance and responsiveness.

May 15, 2009

Students of Auto Engineering Department at the Guru Nanak Dev Polytechnic College in Ludhiana have developed an eco-friendly motorbike which runs on air-pressure and doesn't require fuel. The 100cc bike is equipped with two compressed air cylinders, with a mileage of 11 miles per hour.

The group of students has plans to increase it with some changes in near future. They claim that it is the world's first 100cc motorcycle powered by air and can help eliminate pollution to a great extent.

"There arebikes that run on batteries, but a lot of time is spent in charging them. In an air bike, you just need to fill air through a compressor. If we develop its air tank and reprocess the exhaust air, the capacity of this air bike can be increased, "said Akashdeep Singh, one of the innovative students.

"The main advantage is that it is pollution-free as its exhaust is cold air. The Defense personnel can also use the bike, as thermal radiation cameras cannot detect it. Also, the engine of this bike can work underwater and breathes air from its storage tank, which in turn sucks it from the atmosphere," said Balbir Singh, another student.

On having devised an eco friendly bike, the college students say that it might not look very hi-tech and stylish for now, but it is certainly a step in the right direction for a greener Earth.

"The idea of an air bike was conceived as our energy resources are being depleted day-by-day and pollution level is rising. Keeping all this in mind we have designed a 100cc bike which runs on air pressure technique," said Jagraj Singh Kaul, Head of the Department, Auto Engineering Department.

Guru Nanak Dev Polytechnic College (GNDPC) was established in 1953 and is one of the oldest engineering institutions in north India and a pioneer in technical education. It is an ISO-certified institution. The GNDPC is committed to improve technical excellence to achieve global standards. The polytechnic has set up its own Electrical and Electronics Laboratories Library and Computer Center under World Bank assisted projects. The air-powered bike has certainly made the college proud.